TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said most of the residences in Indonesia did not structure to be resistant to the earthquake.

“In fact, Indonesia is prone to natural disasters, including earthquake. No need to be afraid, but we must ready to face disasters,” said Sutopo via a phone call in Jakarta, Wednesday, August 8.

Constructing earthquake-resistant buildings and holding regular training on ways to save lives were required to face disasters, Sutopo explained.

He mentioned the earthquake in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara which wrecked thousands of houses. The casualties from Mataram quake was relatively lower considering the buildings were more sturdy built.

“Despite the strength of quake in Mataram and North Lombok Regency is similar, the death toll [in Mataram] is fewer because the buildings in the region are relatively more resistant to earthquake,” Sutopo said.

In addition to lack of earthquake-proof buildings, Sutopo went on to say, Indonesian citizens were not aware of how to save their lives since they were never trained on the matter regularly. Hence, he added, regional governments must issue a regulation regarding earthquake-resistant buildings in their respective regions.

“There may be constraints such as unskilled builders so training for builders must be established. Public Works and Housing has already had all the guidelines,” said Sutopo regarding the efforts in dealing with disaster following numerous earthquake in Lombok and Mataram.

ANTARA